This might be too weighty a subject for a midsummer’s day. At this time of year, our thoughts normally turn to the artery-clogging hot dogs served at baseball games, juicy burgers sizzling on the grill and mountains of potato salad. We certainly don’t want to think those same foods may cause our country to slip into oblivion. According to The Week magazine, geologist Robert Roverne has told another publication, Weekly World News, that "Americans are becoming so obese that the continent will soon sink into the ocean." If the population doesn’t shed 1.5 billion pounds, he explained, or 20 pounds per overweight person, shorelines and coastal planes will drop below sea level. If that’s the case, we should all be taking swimming lessons and investing in reliable flotation devices. "Innocent people, and I’m talking here about slim Americans," proclaimed Roverne, "are in dire peril through no fault of their own." At this point, we might question his opinion of innocent, slim Americans. After all, these are the same people who refuse to support the economy of our country by purchasing more groceries than they need. These are the same people who snub offers of rides when they’re out jogging and they look exhausted. Innocent people don’t insult hostesses by refusing to take second helpings or eat anything with more than one gram of fat. Robert Roverne’s Sinking Continent Theory can be debunked with the Hot Fudge Sundae Theory. The latter theory compares the continent of North America with a large bowl of vanilla ice cream. No matter how much hot fudge and chopped nuts are spooned onto the ice cream, the ice cream won’t sink because it’s anchored firmly to the dish, which is solid. Much like North America, the Sinking Continent Theory doesn’t float. We might also argue that, given the big picture, a surplus weight of 1.5 billion pounds isn’t all that much. The total weights of our mountains, tall buildings and every fast food restaurant in the country would make 1.5 billion pounds pale by comparison. If the Sinking Continent Theory becomes a reality, we will be aware of several warning signals, well in advance of our colossal nosedive into the ocean. With both the east and west coasts sinking into the oceans, residents of the Midwest will find large cracks in their lawns and gardens. It would be similar to the large fissure which appears when a chocolate candy bar is slowly broken in half. Unlike the usual cracks in the ground, created by periodic dry spells in late summer, the new openings would resemble the Grand Canyon. Another warning sign of imminent danger would be the Earth shifting with the uneven distribution of human weight, causing the planet to slightly tilt on its axis. At first, the changes would be minor and then we might notice New York City occupying the position formerly held by the North Pole. More serious signs will occur when the Earth breaks free from its orbit and begins free-falling toward the Sun. Nervous eating habits, frayed nerves and intense heat will be obvious symptoms that something has gone wrong. At that point of "the dire peril", a certain geologist and all of those innocent, underweight victims might wish they had eaten more during their lifetimes.

You can fool some of the people some of the time but you can’t fool all the people all of the time. Perhaps that is why our month of July decided it was time to change. Perhaps she was feeling guilty with the temperatures being so cool that we wouldn’t get to use our swimming suits much longer! At any rate, her real character came out this week as we had quite a few days of hot, high humid weather which is more characteristic of July than the lovely cool breezes that we all enjoyed so much with its low humidity. These are the golden days of summer. These July days are days of golden warmth and family reunions. Friendly gatherings at the ballpark, taking a turn at catching the ball, swimming or just catching up on the latest news while basking in the sunlight. For many, these are moments of friendships rekindled, promises of new beginnings, as hearts warm to love and understanding. Remember, these are the golden days of summer filled with the warmth of family and friends. So enjoy it! It won’t be very long until they will no longer be with us. Where does the time go?The relatives of John and Alice Teune had a family gathering in the Hills park Monday evening. Those attending from a distance were Tom and Teresa Teune and girls from Clovis, N.M., and John and Lottie Teune from Pine River. Sunday evening supper guests in the Jo Aykens home were her family, Paul and Carole Aykens, Susan and Jadeyn Veldkamp from Orange City, Iowa, and Joyce Aykens from Worthington. Thursday noon luncheon guests in the Arnold and Jane Bonnema home were their children, Gracia Schrick, George, Iowa, Dan Bonnema, Hull, Iowa, and George Bonnema, Luverne. Brittany Rozeboom and her mother, Yvonne Rozeboom, left on July 7 for Australia where they attended special basketball tournaments. They returned home on July 17. We will probably hear more about that at a later date. Tom and Teresa Teune and girls from Clovis, N.M., were guests in the Harvey Rozeboom home on Tuesday. Bertha Bosch, Mildred Keunen, Joyce Aykens and Jo Aykens went to Sioux Falls Thursday for breakfast to celebrate Mildred’s birthday.Brian and Betty Bruxfoort, Sioux Center, Iowa, were Saturday afternoon callers in the Henrietta Huenink home. Henrietta and her husband, Preston, had worked with them at Annville, Ky., doing mission work there for several years. Brian was the administrator there at that time. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Peter Delfs and the Bosch family. Peter passed away Thursday afternoon following a lengthy illness. His wife is the former Dorothy Bosch. Funeral services were Monday morning at American Reformed Church in Luverne. Burial was in Eastside Cemetery at Steen. Those going to camp at Inspiration Hills this week are Tania Ackerman, Jacob Bos, Heather Esselink and Justin Esselink. Mildred Keunen, Joyce Aykens and Jo Aykens attended a band concert in the park at Orange City, Iowa, Wednesday night. On Monday, July 28, a group left on a mission trip with FCA to Guatemala and El Salvador. Those going are Cassie Tilstra, Erin Boeve, Kelly Mulder, Ashley Bosch, Dustin Bonnema, Kale Wiertzema and Lee Jackson. Two sponsors accompanied them. They are Randy Mulder and Shanna Tilstra. Saturday dinner guests in the Jo Aykens home were her family, Paul and Carole Aykens, Susan and Jadeyn Veldkamp, all from Orange City, and Joyce Aykens, Worthington. I am personally having a bad time with the media when I hear all of the criticism and derogatory remarks made on radio, TV and yes, newspapers and magazines, in regard to our conflict in Iraq as well as in other places in our world today. I think I need to remind all of us that this conflict is not a ballgame we are playing and we do not need a play by play account. We are in this conflict to protect our nation and our freedom and our very way of life. Our president is in charge with help from the many various meetings of multiple governing bodies and other responsible positions. They do not need our help! If they did, they would ask us for it. What has been done cannot be changed and that most of us do not understand. It would be better if we refrained from expressing our own opinions. You know what happens in the ballgame if you express your oppositions or even your opinion to the umpire or referee in charge. I know everyone has a right to his own opinion but everyone does not have to accept it. I would like to quote from Summer M. Silver who said: "May I suggest the importance of a bright day and even more important is our inner sunshine. Inner sunshine comes from the feeling that you have properly expressed through your talent and energy or some good cause. Inner sunshine is a product of serving someone and contributing to his or her satisfaction. Inner sunshine results from the performance of one’s duties and is conscience in an efficient manner. Inner sunshine can come from the courageous acceptance of someone else’s point of view, even if it was not originally your own. But is has become yours because you have been persuaded and you have shown it necessary to change your position. Oh, yes, a stormy day is terrible, and a radiant day is pleasant. But love — plus service — can bring us inner sunshine every day."Why not enjoy it as we face the many and varied conflicts in our lives today.

Ray and Lois Nelson attended the funeral of Ray’s cousin, Evelyn Loven, Saturday afternoon at Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Pennock, near Willmar. Evelyn was the daughter of Nels and Ida Nelson, former Hills residents.On Saturday, July 19, 63 family members from eight different states gathered at Luverne Senior Center for a catered dinner for Darlene Anderson’s 85th birthday. It was also Jack Anderson’s 65th birthday. There was a program after dinner with Jack as the master of ceremonies. Several relatives gave talks of their many memories of Darlene and Jack. It was a day to remember. These two birthdays added together make 150 years!Vivian Gauvin, sister of Marj Roning, returned to her home Sunday in San Jose, Calif., after visiting in the Roning home and with other relatives in the area.Eighteen area young people, along with their counselors, left Omaha, Neb., Monday morning via plane for Guatemala and El Salvador. These young folks are members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes whose leader is Tom Goehle. They will be doing some work such as paint jobs, repairing buildings, etc., and also will have fun times while playing basketball with the young people there and tell them about the love of Jesus while working with them. They will also visit orphanages and hospitals. These kids are high school, college age and others. They hope to share the love of Jesus while spending time with them. The group is to be back on Aug. 8 and ask for your prayers. Those making the trip are: Tyler Bush, Kale Wiertzema, Dustin Bonnema, Melinda Feucht, Lee Jackson, Scott Harnack, Erin Boeve, Shanna Tilstra, David Top, Cassi Tilstra, Rick Metzger, Kala Menning, Randy Mulder, Kelly Mulder, Andy Kellenberger, Ashley Bosch, Thomas Goehle and Chris Fransman.Marv and June Albers returned last week from a visit with relatives. At White Bear Lake they attended the wedding of June’s great-niece. They visited June’s sisters at Fergus Falls when the four sisters were together. Fay Aukes, Mesa, Ariz., arrived Wednesday to spend a few weeks with her sister, Mae Top, before going North to visit. Sunday, Al and Judy Top entertained his aunt and mother by taking them out to dinner. Also included were Mike and Melissa Top and Chantz, Sioux Falls, S.D., and Kristin and Justin Van Maanen, Valley Springs, S.D. Bob and Twila Kirsch spent last week in Heron Lake at the Mathias home caring for their grandchildren. Wade Warner, rural Larchwood, Iowa, was a Monday afternoon visitor in the home of Cliff and Vi VanWyhe. Sunday visitors of Martha Lindrud were Craig and Carla Nelson, daughters Callie and Courtney, a friend, Emily Matson, Newman Grove, Neb., and Ruben Vestlie, Sioux Falls. Dinner guests Thursday evening in the home of Vic and Fran Sandager were Jane and Peter Brandes, Kaie and Henry, Eagle, Colo. They had been volunteers in Tanzania where Jane and Daryl Schubert live. Evangeline and Alan Opheim attended funeral services for her cousin in Centerville, S.D., last Thursday. She was killed in a car accident. Mark and Janet Skattum, North Glen, Colo., were at Adrian Saturday for a Mouw reunion. They stopped in Hills briefly after that and several Skattum families enjoyed visiting with them at the Hills park. Their three children were with them. Lexia DeWit, Sioux Falls, was a Friday afternoon visitor in the home of her parents, Cliff and Vi VanWyhe.Erma Schubbe returned to Hills last Thursday after spending more than a week with Tom and Maggie Schubbe, Jonathan and Thomas, at Afton, and Paul and Carolyn Randall, Jeffrey and Nathan, in Stillwater. Wilmer and Betty Elbers spent a week in the Black Hills with their children which included Darin and Kim Elbers and family, Sioux Falls, John and Peg Iverson and Coryn, Charlotte, N.C., Tom and Twila Walker and family, Luverne, and Nyla and Alex Newsome, Myrtle Beach, S.C. The above named were dinner guests a week ago Sunday in the Elbers home and afternoon visitors were Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Veldkamp, Ed and Iva Elbers, Luverne, Chuck and Nelva Kroese, Hull, Iowa, Verna and Ruth Verbrugge, Worthington, Jessie Boeve and Janet Blyenberg, Edgerton, Wanda Folkerts and Pete and Judy Boeve, Sioux Falls. Colby Hadler, Edgerton, spent Friday afternoon with his grandmother, Joanne Goehle. Chuck and Rheta DeBoer had supper Sunday night with Seth and Susan and David DeBoer in Melvin, Iowa, Rachel DeBoer spent the week with her sister, Bonnie Fagrey, in Rapid City, S.D.Cliff and Vi VanWyhe visited Sunday afternoon with Tom and Matthew VanWyhe in Sioux Falls.Coryn Iverson flew back to Charlotte, N.C., last Wednesday after spending a week in the area visiting cousins.

Norman "Dan" or "Blackie" Lee Johnston, 77, Hills, died Wednesday, July 23, 2003, at his home in Hills.Services were Monday, July 28, 2003, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Burial was at Altona Cemetery in Hitchcock, S.D.Dan Johnston was born to Jack and Edna (Feld) Johnston on July 13, 1926, on a farm near Wolsey, S.D. He grew up in the De Smet, S.D., area where he attended school.He married Mary Anderson on April 3, 1949, in Dupree, S.D. During his life he lived in several different areas, which included Alaska, just off the Glenn Allen Highway, and for many years, in Hills. He trained horses at a big cattle ranch west of Mobridge, S.D., on the Moore River. He also owned a gas station with his father and brother, Jess. Later, he was self-employed as a truck driver.Mr. Johnston was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. His favorite pastimes included riding and training horses, driving racecars, hunting, dancing and fishing.Survivors include his wife, Mary Johnston, Hills, one son, Dan Johnston, Dallas, Ore.; and one daughter, Jillian Benish, Sioux Falls, S.D.; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mary Baker, Bonnie Norbury and Sally Johnston. Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Joy Romaine Johnston, two brothers, Jess Johnston and Jim Johnston, and one sister, Pat Hummel.Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Peter "Pete" Delfs, 79, Luverne, died Thursday, July 24, 2003, at Luverne Community Hospital following a long illness. Services were Monday, July 28, at American Reformed Church in Luverne. The Rev. David Sikkema officiated. Burial with military honors was at Eastside Cemetery in Steen. Peter Henry Delfs was born to Henry and Anna (Holmer) Delfs on Aug. 3, 1923, in Suderstapel, Germany. He moved with his family to the United States when he was 14 months old and settled near Hinton, Iowa, where he grew up and attended school. The family moved to a farm northwest of Rock Rapids, Iowa, when he was 16 and in the years to follow, he worked as a farm hand. He married Dorothy Bosch on March 11, 1943, in Steen. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in January 1944. At the time of his induction, he was still a citizen of Germany but became a naturalized citizen of the United States shortly thereafter. Because of his German heritage he served in the Pacific Theater rather than in Europe. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant as a heavy machine gunner. He served in the invasion of Luzon and spent more than 130 days fighting on the front lines before being wounded from a hand grenade blast. He spent six months in Fitzsimmons General Hospital in Denver, Colo., recovering from his wounds. He was honorably discharged, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star decorations. He operated an independent trucking and corn shelling operation for many years. The family moved to Albert Lea in 1964 where he was trained as a federal meat inspector. He also lived in Worthington before moving to Luverne in 1976. He worked as an inspector of packinghouses before retiring in the mid 1980s. In October 2002 he was diagnosed with cancer and had a lung removed. He became a patient of Luverne Hospice on July 23. Mr. Delfs was a member of American Reformed Church in Luverne, the Luverne VFW, Valley Springs American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed his daily trips to see his buddies at the coffee shop along with playing pinochle at Steen Senior Citizens Center. His other interests included NASCAR racing, gospel music events and his weekly swimming workout at the Rock County Community Pool. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Delfs, Luverne; three daughters, Janice (Duane) Klosterbuer, Steen, and twin daughters, Meredeth Timmerman, Indianapolis, Ind., and Marlene Delfs, Rochester; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond and Gary Delfs, both of Rock Rapids, and three sisters, Margaret LeFrenz, Rock Rapids, Phyllis Wildeman, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Eunice McCarty, Larchwood, Iowa. Mr. Delfs was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Alvin and Adrian.The Luverne Community Hospital Hospice will plant a tree in memory of Pete Delfs.Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

By Sara StrongUnless there’s a reverse referendum, the County Recorder Position will be appointed instead of elected. It’s been in the process for a long time at the county, but after a public hearing Tuesday, it became final.Recorder Jere Ohme was on hand to answer public questions at the hearing, which included three opposed to the change, and support from two.Those objecting to the change from elected to appointed have said that the public is losing control over government with each official they don’t get to elect.County Board members said they’ve heard favorable comments for the change to appointed.Commissioner Bakken said, "At first I was opposed, but I think it’s something that needs to be done."Commissioner Ron Boyenga said that office efficiencies and the security in knowing a qualified person will be in the job are important. But he also said the county could save money on salary for a recorder. As an elected position, the recorder earns what a department head would. Because of the mostly clerical nature of the work, if it is appointed, the job will be paid according to actual job duties.Ohme has never been opposed when he’s filed for re-election. That isn’t the case in many counties. Other counties have had problems when people are voted out of office, or retire from elected positions. They often don’t train their replacements. Ohme said that would mean continued good service in the office wouldn’t be assured in the future.Ohme said, "Most people don’t know what we do."Recorders direct the recording of all deeds, mortgages and other legal documents involved in the registration of land to meet statutory requirements. They review deeds and other documents for accuracy and completeness and advise the public on procedures for recording deeds and mortgages and related documents.Recorders assist the public and legal professionals in searches for recorded information about specific property and titles. Ohme said that especially during the summer, genealogy research is popular in the vault of records.Ohme said that by changing the position to appointed, the Board isn’t doing the public a disservice or taking away someone who makes decisions. He said, "What we do is right out of the statute books."

Norman "Dan" Johnston, 77, Hills, died Wednesday, July 23 at his home. Visitation will be Sunday, July 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 4 to 6 p.m. at Roste Funeral Home, Hills. Services will be Monday, July 28 at 10 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Hills. Burial will be 3 p.m. in Altona Cemetery, Hitchcock, SD.

By Jolene FarleyLocal 4-H members are busy putting the finishing touches on their projects for the Rock County Fair next week. Monday is the deadline for entering non-perishable items such as crafts, clothes, etc.Wednesday is the deadline for pets, foods and other perishables.Zach Van Westen, Steen, a member of the Hills Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, began his project, restoring a barge box farm wagon, for the fair on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002. He remembers the exact date he started because it was his 13th birthday. After hauling the wagon home from Monroe, S.D., he immediately began tearing it down.Zach’s grandfather, Hilbert Van Westen, purchased the wagon in 1960 and hauled many loads of corn, beans and oats over the years.Zach decided to tackle the restoration of the wagon for his 4-H project with the help of his father, Dale. They logged many hours on the wagon this spring. During the project, Zach learned to use a cutting torch, a sandblaster and a paint sprayer.Because it was so time consuming to restore, the wagon is the only item Zach is entering in the fair this year. Last year, his projects included a birdhouse, bookshelf and lamp.Zach’s sister Alaina, 10, is entering a lamp, a quilt, a pillowcase, a picture, wind chimes and food. Meagan and Natalie Stueven, Hills, are close to completing their projects and are confident they will be ready.The girls are also members of the Hills Blue Ribbon 4-H Club. Their mother, Sue, is the leader of the club."It isn’t quite as rushed as last year," Sue Stueven said. "It’s not the night before and we’re still sewing."The girls are entering a variety of projects, including cats, calves, a horse and various craft projects.They got ideas for their projects from magazines and the Internet."They have a lot of fun," Sue said. "We try to keep it fun and we try to keep it learning for them."Entrants will know whether their projects earned a purple, blue, red or white ribbon at the fair by Wednesday or Thursday, according to Stueven.

By John RittenhouseZach Wysong and the Luverne American Legion baseball team placed second in the Area A Tournament that was completed late last week.The Cardinals came up one run short in the tournament’s championship game against Pipestone Wednesday, July 16, in Luverne.Luverne locked up the second seed in the district by besting Okabena by five runs in Luverne Friday. They’ll play in the Second District American Legion Baseball Tournament in Truman the next two weekends.Wysong, a Hills-Beaver Creek High School student, made positive impacts in both Area A games last week.He recorded a pitching win and drove in a combined five runs with four hits in the games against Pipestone and Okabena.Wysong went the distance on the mound during an 8-3 victory over Okabena Friday.The hurler recorded 11 strikeouts and yielded one earned run during a seven-inning stint on the hill. Wysong also was two-for-four at the plate, driving in one run and scoring another.Wysong, who doubled in a scoreless third inning, helped Luverne break the game open in the bottom of the fourth.Okabena scored its first earned run in the top of the fourth to trail 4-3, but the Cards answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth to gain a 7-3 cushion.Wysong drove in the first run of the rally with an RBI single. He scored later in the frame on a wild pitch.Wysong had a great night at the plate during an 8-7 loss to Pipestone Wednesday, July 16.The Cardinals shortstop drove in four runs with two doubles, but it wasn’t enough to keep Luverne from falling to the Arrows in extra innings.Wysong gave the Cardinals a 2-0 lead when he doubled after Adam Reisch and Adam Kurtz walked in the bottom of the second.Luverne needed a boost when Pipestone scored twice in the top of the eighth to take a 4-2 lead, and Wysong provided it by slapping a double after Jared Pick and Rob Fodness drew walks to tie the game at four.Pipestone, however, outscored the Cards 4-3 in the ninth inning to win the championship game.Luverne will open the Second District Tournament by taking on Wabasso 6:30 p.m. Friday in Truman.